A natural stone fireplace surround brings warmth, character, and lasting luxury to any home. The stone you choose will define your fireplace, creating a striking focal point or seamlessly enhancing your space. Plus, the benefits of choosing the right natural stone ensure it will stand up to heat, daily use, and the test of time without compromising its beauty. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The best type of natural stone for your fireplace.
- Where to source high-quality natural stone.
- A basic overview of installation and upkeep.
Best Natural Stone Options for a Fireplace Surround
Granite Fireplace Surround:
Granite is one of the most durable natural stones available, making it an excellent choice for a fireplace surround. It is highly heat-resistant, ensuring it will not crack or discolour over time, even with prolonged exposure to fire. Granite is available in a range of finishes, from highly polished to honed and textured, allowing homeowners to select a style that best fits their interior design.
Limestone Fireplace Surround:
Limestone provides a softer appearance, making it ideal for contemporary spaces. Its muted tones—ranging from creams and beiges to light grays—offer a refined, understated elegance. Its relatively smooth texture allows for intricate carvings and custom detailing, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking for a decorative, high-end finish to their fireplace.
Slate Fireplace Surround:
Slate is known for its rich, textured surface and deep, earthy tones, including shades of gray, green, rust, and black. It has a natural cleft finish, which adds depth and character to a fireplace surround. The unique veining and variation in colour create a striking focal point in any room. Slate is highly resistant to heat, making it a practical choice for fireplaces, but it is more fragile than granite and may chip or flake over time.
Sandstone:
Sandstone offers a warm, natural look with soft, golden hues that complement rustic and farmhouse-style interiors. It has a grainy texture and is available in both smooth-cut slabs and rough, irregular pieces. While visually appealing, sandstone is more prone to erosion and staining, requiring regular sealing and proper care.
Fieldstone:
Fieldstone is a popular option for those looking for a rugged, organic fireplace surround. Typically sourced from riverbeds or quarries, fieldstone varies in shape, size, and colour, giving each installation a one-of-a-kind appearance. It works particularly well in cabins, lodges, and country homes, providing a natural, unrefined aesthetic.
Stone Veneer:
Stone veneer provides the look of full stone without the excessive weight. Thin veneer is a facing material cut from natural stone, making it easier to install while maintaining the authentic appearance of quarried stone. Full-bed veneer, while heavier, offers more depth and a traditional masonry finish.
Veneer stone can be sourced as natural quarried stone or manufactured stone, with concrete-based options available. This option is ideal for homeowners looking to achieve a natural stone look without the structural requirements of full-bed stone masonry.
Where to Buy Natural Stone for a Fireplace Surround
- Local Stone Yards: Ideal for unique, high-quality selections.
- Building Supply Centers: Good for standard natural stone options and tools.
- Specialty Retailers: Provide premium and custom stone selections.
- Masonry Suppliers: Best for bulk purchases and regional stone varieties.
- Online Suppliers: Convenient for veneer stone and pre-cut fireplace kits.
Tools and Materials Needed for Installation
Tools:
Essential tools include a trowel, level, wet saw, notched trowel, and grout bag. These tools help ensure clean cuts, secure placement, and a professional finish.
Materials:
The materials needed depend on the type of stone and installation method. You’ll need natural stone, mortar, adhesive, backer board, grout, and sealant. Each component plays a role in securing the stone and maintaining its integrity over time.
Adhesive:
Mortar is best for full-bed stone, providing a strong bond and structural support. Thinset is a better option for veneer applications, offering a lightweight but durable hold. Proper adhesion prevents shifting, cracking, and long-term issues.
Installation Guide for a Natural Stone Fireplace Surround
Step 1 – Prepare the Fireplace:
Measure the surround dimensions and ensure a stable backing, such as cement board or masonry.
Step 2 – Apply Mortar and Lay the Stone:
Mix mortar correctly, start from the base, and work upward. Use spacers to maintain even stone placement.
Step 3 – Grouting and Sealing:
Apply grout between joints for a polished finish. Use a high-quality sealant to protect the stone from stains and moisture.
Natural Stone Fireplace Surround Design Ideas & Finishing Touches
Stone Placement & Patterns
Stone placement and patterns define the fireplace’s overall look. Classic designs use polished and uniform cuts for a sleek, refined appearance, while modern styles favour large slabs with minimal grout lines for a seamless effect. Contemporary designs might use patterns like herringbone or chevron. On the other hand, rustic designs embrace stacked stone or fieldstone, arranged in irregular patterns to create a natural, textured aesthetic that complements wood beams and exposed brick.
Mantel Options
- Wood: Traditional and warm.
- Metal: Industrial and bold.
- Stone: Seamless and cohesive when matched to the surround.
Color & Lighting
- Light stones (limestone, pale granite) brighten a space.
- Dark stones (slate, fieldstone) add contrast and depth.
- Accent lighting (uplighting, LEDs, recessed lights) enhances texture and highlights natural details.
Maintenance Tips for Natural Stone Fireplace Surrounds
Dusting and cleaning should be done frequently using a soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove soot, dust, and debris that accumulate over time. A damp cloth with mild soap and water can be used for deeper cleaning, but avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners, as they can etch and damage porous stones like limestone and sandstone.
Sealing the stone may be necessary for porous materials. A high-quality stone sealant should be applied every one to three years, depending on the type of stone and its exposure to heat and smoke. This protective layer helps prevent staining and moisture absorption.
Shop Surrounds at Grand River Natural Stone
At Grand River Natural Stone, we supply high-quality natural stone fireplace surrounds across Ontario. Visit us at one of our four locations to see what stone options we have in stock for you:
Contact us today to learn more about our natural stone and stone veneer options or to request a quote.
